Did you know that in Lakota language there is not a word for “nature”? Connor Ryan, proud Hunkpapa Lakota skier, explains why. Listen to Connor’s story of ecological realizations and working to re-indigenize our collective culture.

Bio:

Connor is a proud Hunkpapa Lakota and passionate skier. In 2022 he was named one of the “20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry” by Outside Magazine. Connor was born and raised in the homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples, who have become some of his biggest inspirations and closest relatives, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Skiing is his dance and prayer, a ceremony of its own, one that offers a chance to center himself within nature and the Great Mystery of the universe surrounding him. Connor works to inspire others to deepen their connection to the places they live and play in order for us all to be better relatives to our planet, our communities, and ourselves.

Resources:

Connor's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sacredstoke

Winter Wildlands Alliance - https://winterwildlands.org/

Trail Break Radio - https://winterwildlands.org/trail-break-radio

Braiding Sweetgrass - https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass

Spirit of the Peaks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSwmJMH04Ww

Natives Outdoors - https://www.natives-outdoors.org/

Sponsors: 

Dan Bailey's Outdoor Company - https://danbaileys.com/

Outdoor Alliance, Mighty Arrow Foundation and REI

If you’re interested in becoming a Backcountry Partner sponsor, reach out to Emily at escott@winterwildlands.org.

Transcript:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LoJyp2zl_P5Yjpe_2sBnS32miLUydMPYgq8tKPL83Fk/edit?usp=sharing